2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 277
Commending the Vinton Dogwood Festival.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the Vinton Dogwood Festival, a cherished tradition that has brought joy, community spirit, and cultural enrichment to the Town of Vinton and the greater Roanoke Valley since its inception in 1956; and
WHEREAS, the Vinton Band Boosters began selling small dogwood trees to finance new uniforms for the William Byrd High School band and a group of Vinton residents parlayed the fundraiser into a community project that culminated in a festival celebrating the Commonwealth's official flower; and
WHEREAS, for seven decades, the Vinton Dogwood Festival has served as a cornerstone of local identity, featuring a wide array of activities including the crowning of the Dogwood Queen, the massive Dogwood Parade, craft shows, carnivals, and live musical performances; and
WHEREAS, the festival provides a vital platform for local artisans, civic organizations, and businesses, significantly contributing to the economic vitality and tourism of the region while showcasing the charm of the “Dogwood Capital of Virginia”; and
WHEREAS, the success of the Vinton Dogwood Festival over the past 70 years is a testament to the tireless dedication of the members of the Vinton Dogwood Festival Committee, the Vinton Women's Club, the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Vinton, and the thousands of volunteers who have donated their time to preserve this tradition; and